SFS Snack Brussels – Football and Europe: rules, rights and priorities

The SFS Snack Brussels event concluded with great success, bringing the debate on European football governance to the heart of European institutions. Hosted at the prestigious European Parliament, it provided a unique opportunity for institutions, experts, and industry professionals to discuss the regulatory, economic, and social challenges that will shape the future of football in Europe.

The event was introduced by institutional remarks from MEP Nicola Zingaretti “uniting Europe means uniting society and people. It means bringing together industries, social models, culture, and even the sports sector. Football is much more than just a game. It is passion, identity, economy, and, above all, a social bond that connects millions of people across Europe and the world. This is why we, as European institutions, cannot ignore the challenges and responsibilities related to football and sports. From respecting the rules to defending rights—of players, fans, and workers—football can be a great example of what Europe should be: a space of fair competition, inclusion, and opportunities for all”, and Gianfilippo Valentini, CEO of SFS – “Football is much more than a sport; it is a social, cultural, and economic phenomenon that engages millions of people. Events like SFS Snack Brussels are essential because they bring key topics related to the sustainable development of football into institutions, fostering a constructive dialogue between stakeholders, legislators, and industry professionals. Only through discussion can we build a future where football is fairer, more inclusive, and sustainable, respecting the rules and the rights of all its participants”.

Three in-depth panels guided discussions among some of the leading experts in the field:

Priority Areas: Combating Discrimination and Environmental Sustainability in Football Events – Michele Uva (UEFA) and Cristiana Pace (Enovation Consulting) analyzed strategies and best practices to make football more inclusive and sustainable, highlighting the importance of efficient infrastructure and concrete environmental policies.

Media, Geoblocking, and Broadcasting Rights in Europe – Laura Vilches (Sports Rights Owners Coalition), Giuseppe Abbamonte (DG Connect – European Commission), and Paola Marinone (BuzzMyVideos) discussed the future of football content distribution in an increasingly digital landscape, addressing topics such as geoblocking regulations and media rights management.

Football Governance and the Legal Struggles That Shaped Football – The panel featuring Jean-Louis Dupont (Dupont-Hissel), Carlo Rombolà (Studio Rombolà), Giorgio Guazzugli Marini (European Commission), Alexandre Bielefeld (FIFPRO), and Mathieu Moreuil (The European Leagues) provided an analysis of the legal challenges reshaping European football, with a focus on economic stability, financial fair play, and players’ rights.

The event reaffirmed the urgent need for structural reforms to ensure the competitiveness of European football while adhering to principles of transparency, fairness, and sustainability. The dialogue initiated among institutions, leagues, clubs, and industry stakeholders marks the beginning of future collaborations and concrete initiatives.

To conclude the day, a networking aperitif allowed participants to continue discussions in a more informal setting, strengthening connections and shared visions for the future of European football.

SFS once again confirms itself as a leading platform for international football discussions, capable of bringing together innovation, networking, and strategic vision. The next appointments are set for April in Milan and Vila-real, with new SFS Snack events and further insights into the future of the sector.